Record-breaking Galatasaray striker Osimhen battles Arsenal, Man City, Club Brugge stars for UCL POTW

Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen has been shortlisted for the UEFA Champions League Player of the Week award after a brilliant hat-trick performance that inspired Galatasaray to a 3-0 win over Ajax in Amsterdam.

The 26-year-old Super Eagles striker opened the scoring just before the hour mark when he sneaked between the Ajax defenders to head home Leroy Sané’s teasing cross.

He doubled Galatasaray’s advantage five minutes later from the penalty spot after Youri Baas handled in the box, calmly firing into the corner. 

Osimhen then completed his hat-trick late in the game with another precise penalty after Gerald Alders was penalised for a handball, sealing a memorable night for both the player and the Turkish champions.

His treble made him the first Galatasaray player to score back-to-back braces in the Champions League and sent him top of the competition’s scoring charts with six goals.

Osimhen faces stiff competition for the award from Manchester City’s Phil Foden, Arsenal’s Mikel Merino, and Club Brugge’s Carlos Forbs.

He will now look to maintain his blistering form ahead of Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff clash against Gabon next week in Morocco.

Wale Adejumo

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